Electric Bike Buying: Choosing Your First E-Bike

Electric bikes are a great way to get around, offering increased distance and less effort than a normal bike. However, the sophisticated technology they use can make the buying process confusing. In this article, we will discuss the differences between road, hybrid and mountain e-bikes, the various motor systems and how they can affect user experience, and how to get the right type for your riding. We'll also cover the benefits of electric bikes, such as increased acceleration and the ability to tackle steep and technical terrain. So, whether you're looking to conquer miles on the road or glide your way through town, read on to find out everything you need to know about how to buy an electric bike.

Understanding the technology

Electric bikes are powered by a motor and a battery. The motor provides power and is legally limited to 250w of continuous support in the UK, EU and Australia. This can be boosted for short bursts, and the speed is capped at 25km/h in Europe and Australia. This support is known as pedal assist, as it makes pedalling easier. The level of assistance is usually stated as a percentage (between 50% and 300%) or as wattage. Most motor systems have around three modes of differing support. The more support you receive from the bike, the less range you'll get from the battery.

Motor placement, power and torque delivery, and pedalling resistance will all vary depending on the brand and model of the bike. Electric hybrid bikes benefit from increased acceleration, especially when riding from a stop in traffic. With a battery and a motor, an electric mountain bike (e-MTB) can operate as an uplift, allowing you to access more descents and feel less tired when you do.

E-road bikes aim to replicate the 'ride feel' of a regular road bike. Acceleration and torque are less important than range and weight, as you may not want the bike to do all the work on hills. Electric folding bikes offer the portability of a regular folding bike with the increased distance provided by a battery and motor.

Motor systems and user experience

Motor placement is an important factor that brands will specify for different systems. The placement of the motor will affect the power and torque delivery, as well as the pedalling resistance. For example, an e-MTB with a motor and battery can operate as an uplift, allowing for more descents and a fresher feeling when riding. Electric hybrid bikes also benefit from increased acceleration, especially when starting from a stop in traffic.

When purchasing an electric bike, it is important to consider the type of riding you will be doing. For example, acceleration and torque may be less important on e-road or e-gravel bikes than range and weight. E-road bikes aim to replicate the 'ride feel' of a traditional road bike as closely as possible.

Different types of electric bikes

Electric bikes, or e-bikes, are available in a variety of styles, including cruiser, hybrid, and mountain. Each style is tailored to a particular terrain and type of ride. For example, if you want to conquer miles on the road, you might opt for a road e-bike, whereas if you want to tackle steep and technical terrain off-road, you might prefer a mountain e-bike.

E-bikes have three main components: an electric motor, a battery, and a controller. The motor provides power and is legally limited to 250w of continuous support in the UK, EU, and Australia. It is also capped at 25km/h in Europe and Australia. The more support you receive from the bike, the less range you'll get from the battery. Most motor systems have around three different modes of differing support.

There are several different types of electric motors an e-bike can have. The first is a front hub motor, which is located on the front tire and moves the bicycle forward by spinning the tire, creating a pulling sensation. The second is a mid-drive motor, which powers the bicycle drivetrain instead of the tire hub. This style creates a natural sensation that one would typically feel when riding a bike. The third is a rear hub motor, which is located on the back tire and moves the bicycle forward by spinning the back tire.

There are also three classes of e-bikes: Class 1 pedal-assist e-bikes, Class 2 e-bikes with a throttle, and Class 3 speed pedelecs. Class 1 e-bikes, also known as pedal-assist e-bikes, provide assistance only when the rider is pedalling. The motor is designed to provide a boost that helps the rider maintain a consistent speed, making it easier to ride up hills or over long distances. Class 1 e-bikes are limited to a top speed of 20 mph, making them legal to ride on bike paths and other areas where traditional bicycles are permitted.

Battery and motor

Electric bikes are powered by a motor and a battery. Legally in the UK, EU and Australia, the motor is limited to 250w of continuous support, but it can boost power by more than that for short bursts. In Europe and Australia, it's capped at 25km/h. This support is known as pedal assist, as it makes pedalling easier. Some brands state assistance as a percentage (usually anywhere between 50% and 300% depending on the mode), and others as wattage. Most motor systems have around three different modes of differing support. The more support you receive from the bike, the less range you'll get from the battery.

Motor placement, power and torque delivery, and pedalling resistance are all specified by different brands for different jobs. For example, acceleration and torque are potentially less important on e-road or e-gravel bikes than range and weight. Typically, e-road bikes have found ways to try and replicate the ‘ride feel’ of road bikes as far as possible.

With a battery and a motor, an e-MTB can effectively operate as an uplift, allowing you to access more descents and feel fresher when you do. Electric hybrid bikes also benefit from this increased acceleration, especially if riding from stopped in traffic.

Electric folding bikes offer the portability of a folding bike with the increased distance a battery and motor offer.

Brands and specifications

Electric bikes have a motor and a battery. The motor provides power and is legally limited to 250w of continuous support in the UK, EU and Australia, although it can boost power for short bursts. The support is known as pedal assist, as it makes pedalling easier. Some brands state assistance as a percentage, and others as wattage. Most motor systems have around three different modes of differing support. The more support you receive from the bike, the less range you'll get from the battery.

Brands are very specific when it comes to e-bikes, and will spec different systems for different jobs, including motor placement, power and torque delivery and pedalling resistance.

There are several types of electric bikes, including e-road, e-gravel, e-MTB and electric hybrid bikes. E-road bikes try to replicate the 'ride feel' of road bikes as far as possible. Electric hybrid bikes benefit from increased acceleration, especially when riding from a stop in traffic. E-MTB bikes can operate as an uplift, allowing you to access more descents and feel fresher when you do.

Before you purchase an electric bike, it's important to have a clear idea about what you want from it. This will make the buying process much easier.

Frequently asked questions